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Winery collaborates with renowned Canadian artist to create limited
edition Icewine
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VANCOUVER, Oct. 15 /CNW/ - On the heels of the Olympic action in Beijing,
Inniskillin Wines invites Canadians to celebrate the Olympic spirit and
support Canadian athletes at home with the launch of the exclusive Inniskillin
Vidal Icewine Commemorative Edition.
Inniskillin Wines is an Official Wine Supplier for the Vancouver 2010
Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games, and Inniskillin Icewine, a global brand,
is a perfect icon to connect to Canada. As part of this commemorative vintage,
created by winemaker Bruce Nicholson, Inniskillin is honoured to include
Canadian Artist Gord Halloran's unique artwork on the label. A portion of the
proceeds from every bottle sold will support the Canadian Olympic team and the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
As the world will next turn its eyes to Canada for the Games in Vancouver
in 2010, the period surrounding the Games will bring significant tourism to
Canada, with many visitors seeking distinctively Canadian gifts and mementos
of the Olympic Games. Inniskillin Vidal Icewine Commemorative Edition makes a
wonderful gift or souvenir, and can be enjoyed at any time of the year, as an
aperitif or paired with unique dishes including desserts. Available now in BC
at the BCLDB (375ml / $59.95), Ontario at Duty Free stores (375ml / $59.95),
and the Inniskillin Wines Boutique in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the wine will be
released in LCBO Vintages in February 2009 (375ml / $59.95), and in the SAQ
(375ml / $59.95) in spring 2009.
Each Inniskillin commemorative bottle features the stunning artwork of
Canadian artist Gordon Halloran, who made his Olympic debut with his
"Paintings Below Zero" installation as Canada's official representative at the
Cultural Olympiad of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy. The artist
was invited to pay homage to Canada as host of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Using ice as his canvas, Halloran creates spectacular abstract images that,
like Inniskillin Icewine, have garnered worldwide acclaim. Halloran and
Inniskillin co-founder Donald Ziraldo met at the Olympics in Turin, where they
both discovered the synergistic fit between Halloran's art and Inniskillin's
Icewine.
Halloran comments on his involvement with the special commemorative
bottling: "It's not often two art forms can lay claim to their origin in the
rarified world of sub zero temperatures - both finding their genesis in this
extreme environment," he says. "Ice crystals into paintings - ice crystals
into wine..."
Coined as "extreme winemaking", Inniskillin Icewine is harvested from
grapes naturally frozen on the vine at the peak of Canada's crisp winter. "The
finished wine is intense and luscious, balanced with brilliant acidity,
creating a unique sensation on the palate," says winemaker Bruce Nicholson.
"This resulting balance of acidity makes Inniskillin Vidal Icewine
Commemorative Edition a great match for a wide range of cuisine. This Icewine
is distinguished by fruit flavours that range from mango to peach nectar to
lychee with added complexity from oak aging."
"It takes dedication and passion by all involved to produce a great
Icewine," Nicholson adds "Like with numerous athletes, it takes many years to
reap the rewards of this hard work and dedication. We are proud of the legacy
this special wine will allow."
"The association with the Olympics aligns our great pride in our
athletes," Inniskillin Wines spokesperson Debi Pratt agrees. "Through this
Commemorative Icewine Canadians have a special opportunity to support the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the Canadian Olympic
Team."
Inniskillin has proven dedication to athletes. As a Canadian Olympic Team
2004 sponsor, Inniskillin supported Canada's quest for sporting excellence in
two ways: firstly, by developing a Canadian Olympic Team Vine Planting
Fundraiser (purchase of a Riesling vine for $500) and also, a customized
Canadian Olympic Label line of specialty wines (2003 Vidal Icewine, 2002 Pinot
Noir and 2003 Chardonnay in six specially designed labels).
Inniskillin Wines, established in 1975 by co-founders Donald Ziraldo and
Karl Kaiser, is Canada's premier estate winery producing truly distinctive and
elegant wines from premium grape varieties grown in Canada. Inniskillin has
vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley in
British Columbia. Inniskillin has gained international recognition for its
award winning Icewines, which, as the number one selling wine by distribution
in duty free stores, can be found in over 68 countries around the world.
Inniskillin is proud of the role it has played and continues to be one of the
rising stars in bringing recognition to Canada as part of the international
success of Canadian wines. This fine tradition continues with the arrival of
winemaker Bruce Nicholson in 2007.
Note to news editors and public calendar listings:
Inniskillin Wines is proud to announce that the Inniskillin Vidal Icewine
Commemorative Edition will have its first official public launch on November
3rd in British Columbia, at the 39th and Cambie BCLDB store in Vancouver.
Olympic Freestyle Skier Steve Omischl, Canadian artist Gordon Halloran
and acclaimed CinCin pastry chef Thierry Busset will appear with
representatives from Inniskillin Wines to participate in the event.
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The media only launch will be at 1:30pm, and the public tasting
opportunity is from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
For more information email Leeann@ccltd.ca
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For further information: visit www.inniskillin.com; Media Contact for
photos or more information: Leeann Clemens Froese, (604) 904-9793 or
Leeann@ccltd.ca